Head-to-head · Best External SSD Enclosures

ASUS ROG Strix Arion vs OWC Express 1M2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

OWC Express 1M2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about power users who need high-speed external storage and don't mind the bulk — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best External SSD Enclosures

ASUS ROG Strix Arion

3.8

3 sourcesall derived$54.99as of Aug 1

As a PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe SSD enclosure with a 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, the ASUS ROG Strix Arion gets close to the ceiling, transferring at just over 1000 MB/s. TechPowerUp praised the rigid aluminum build and effective heat dissipation, while Reviews Inside noted the RGB lighting adds flair that won't appeal to everyone. Its tool-free design uses a SIM-pin mechanism that works but frustrates frequent SSD swaps. It costs more than competing options, so the premium materials and performance point it at gamers and content creators who value aesthetics and reliability over portability and cost savings.

Strengths

— Rigid aluminum construction with excellent thermal management via pre-installed thermal pads
— Supports PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe SSDs at maximum 10 Gbps transfer speeds
— Includes both USB-A and USB-C cables for versatile connectivity

Watch-outs

— Requires a SIM-tray pin for access, which can be lost and is less convenient for frequent SSD swaps
— Priced higher than similar 10 Gbps enclosures with comparable performance
— Bulkier form factor reduces portability compared to some competitors

$54.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best External SSD Enclosures

OWC Express 1M2

4.5

8 sources$78.99as of Aug 1

PCWorld's Jon Jacobi called the OWC Express 1M2 'fantastic' for USB4 storage, citing over 3GBps performance and universal compatibility across USB and Thunderbolt ports. PCMag's Tony Hoffman also praised the performance and the range of ways it can be used, while calling out the large size as a drawback. At $219.99 for the 1TB unpopulated version, it is affordable if you are bringing your own NVMe drive. Power users who need high-speed external storage and don't mind the bulk are the fit; anyone prioritizing portability should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Over 3GBps transfer speeds with USB4 interface
— Works with all USB and Thunderbolt 3/4 ports for universal compatibility
— Available unpopulated so users can leverage their own NVMe SSD

Watch-outs

— Expensive when loaded with an SSD
— Large size may be cumbersome for portability

$78.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

ASUS ROG Strix Arion

Unlike the ORICO M2VG01-C3, which uses a snap-together design that can disassemble easily, the ASUS ROG Strix Arion offers a more robust aluminum build with pre-installed thermal pads for better heat dissipation. While the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 provides a compact form factor, the Arion's premium materials and RGB lighting make it stand out for gamers and content creators who value aesthetics and reliability over portability. Compared to the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure, the Arion lacks active cooling but compensates with its rigid construction and tool-free design, though it's priced higher and less portable.

OWC Express 1M2

The OWC Express 1M2 delivers over 3GBps speeds and works with all USB and Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, outperforming the Plugable USBC-NVME in terms of universal compatibility and speed. While the ASUS ROG Strix Arion offers better build quality and RGB lighting, the OWC is more versatile for users who want to leverage their own SSDs. Unlike the ACASIS USB4 40Gbps NVMe Enclosure, the OWC lacks active cooling but provides a more affordable solution for those who don't need the advanced features of the ACASIS model.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS ROG Strix Arion	OWC Express 1M2
Interface	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)	USB4
SSD Support	M-Key & B-Key (PCIe/NVMe)	USB & Thunderbolt 3/4
Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Cooling	Dual 120mm fans	Passive
Dimensions	280 x 190 x 35 mm	157 x 100 x 25 mm
Weight	3.09 lb	0.99 lb
Bridge Chip	ASMedia ASM2362	ASMedia ASM2364
Speed	—	Over 3GBps

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